HOULTON – Robert Earl Johnston, 85, died Aug. 29, 2011, at a local hospital. He was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Portland, son of Fred W. and Albertine (Libby) Johnston.
Bob was a graduate of Houlton High School, class of 1943, and Husson College in 1947. He served in the Army during World War II. Bob worked for Houlton Grange Store, Fishman’s Plumbing and was a state court reporter for 30 years. He became a Baptist minister in 1954 and served First Baptist Church, Houlton; and Selden Baptist Church, Selden, for many years, and was interim pastor for several other churches in the area. He was a life member of Houlton Odd Fellows.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jean (Lagerson) Johnston of Houlton; four sons, Kurt Johnston of North Carolina, Barry Johnston of North Carolina, Daniel Johnston of Litchfield and Eric Johnston of Auburn; two daughters, Amy Leeman of Searsmont and Lynta Carter of Indiana; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; a special daughter-in-law, Ann Cookson; a very special granddaughter, Heidi Cookson, both of Vermont; one brother, Everett Johnston of Waterville; and three sisters, Frieda MacVicar of Florida, Edith Johnston of Rhode Island and Sylvia Murray of Houlton. He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Charles Johnston and Ivan Johnston; and his sister, Louise McMackin.
Friends may call 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church with an Odd Fellows service held 12:30 p.m. and funeral services held 1 p.m. with the Rev. Arthur Myers and the Rev. Russ Hartley officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Gifts may be made in Bob’s memory to First Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.